Can a cold cause loss of taste?

Much of what people call taste is the combined experience of taste and smell. During a cold, swelling and mucus in the nose can limit smells reaching the smell receptors, so meals may seem bland. A sore throat, dry mouth, reduced appetite, or mouth breathing can add to the problem. A cold-related change often improves as congestion and other symptoms ease, but the timing varies. COVID-19 can also cause a change in taste or smell, so the symptom alone cannot identify which infection is present.

Rest, drink fluids, and use gentle measures that help your nose feel clearer, such as saline rinsing when suitable for you. Brush your teeth and tongue gently, and choose nourishing foods with different textures while flavour is muted. Avoid very hot food if smell is reduced because temperature may be harder to judge. Consider current local guidance about COVID-19 testing if you have respiratory symptoms or a relevant exposure. Do not use antibiotics unless prescribed for a diagnosed bacterial problem.

Contact a clinician if taste does not begin to return as the cold improves, persists beyond the rest of the illness, or makes it difficult to eat and drink. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, confusion, facial weakness, a severe headache, or symptoms after a head injury. Prompt review is also sensible when the change is isolated, sudden, or repeatedly returns without congestion.

Does my nose or mouth explain the taste change? Could a medicine or another infection be involved? Should I test for COVID-19? What should I do if taste has not improved when my cold symptoms settle?